There will be storms
And with each tempest
You will seem to stand alone
Against cruel winds
But with time, the rage and fury
Shall subside
And when the sky clears
You will find yourself
Clinging to someone
You would have never known
But for storms.
--"Storms", by Margie DeMerell
Every time a storm has begun these past couple years, I have posted this poem. With the complaining and the hate that the rain gets in all your TheFacebook statuses and Tweets, I like to balance it out with a reminder that storms are an important part of life. And in some ways, help us to live and appreciate life more fully.
Every time I post this poem, I follow it with some sort of reflection. This time around, I want to take this chance to thank all the people in my life whom I have clung to and have helped me navigate my most recent storm, the post-graduation storm:
All you, who have made music, talked music, been music with me.
You, the only one who was there with me every step on my path of finding--and finally starting--my job. Who cooked with me and cooked for me. Who came with me to SFMoMA every month. Who sat beside me while I hacked through Pilipino folk-songs and laughed with me when they honored me later that nite. Who held me and continued to be my friend, despite all my passive-aggressive actions, irrational feelings, and mood swings.
You, the one I commute with every morning and eat lunch with every 1 o'clock. Who listens to me when I vent, knowing when to give advice and when just to listen and understand. Who IMs me at work, keeping me awake and preventing me from losing my mind. Whom I can always call if I'm lonely or need someone to hang out with...or have a beer with.
You, the one that has opened up his home to me, letting it become my home too...even if I'm usually there just to watch Jeopardy! Who listens to what I have to say, always reserving judgment...unless I really need to be held in check. Who, in my interest, was willing to deny a favor to a friend. Who freaks out with me when we remember how old we're turning this year.
You, with whom I've been sharing this job-searching struggle for what feels like years. (Your struggle is my struggle too; I just happened to get really lucky.) Who has been my motivation to succeed by sharing in my dream with me. Whose lack of physical presence has helped me remember what it truly feels like to miss a person.
You, who always found time to have (black) coffee with me...even with your super busy schedule. With whom I can talk about nearly everything, from deep social problems & Pilipino identity to gossip & relationships. Who, with a strange combination of pleasure and weirdness, drove me around her territory in San Diego. Who loved meeting my grandma. Who was there for me when I needed to share my most extreme emotions. Who brings balance to my life.
Thank you all. I can only hope that I helped you half as much as you have helped me.
/\/\/\
This is subject to edit. I can't help but think that this list could include so many more. In case I missed you this time, there will always be storms...
